Elder Ballard on Sharing Your Voice

We have created this site primarily for people to be able to have a place to share their thoughts and feelings about how the gospel of Jesus Christ impacts their lives. As you think about what you might share, consider Elder M. Russell Ballard’s recent invitation. He gives some ideas of what and how we can share:

Share your experiences – those from your own life – that show how your values and your faith intersect….

Clearly, in this context I am not talking about declaring your testimony of faith in the traditional sense. Naturally, you can and should do that where the setting is appropriate and the audience is receptive, such as a church meeting. Rather, I am talking about taking part in everyday conversations in an unforced way, where your values and your religious beliefs will arise naturally. No one likes to have religion thrust down their throats.

Instead, allow people to see how your beliefs lift and shape your life for the better. How does the gospel help you as a parent engage with your teens? How do your values encourage you to participate in civic affairs? How has your experience as a home or visiting teacher enlarged your compassion or care for the sick and needy? How has your Church life helped you to avoid such things as pornography and immorality? How have family councils or home evenings helped you resolve differences of opinion with members of your family? How has your experience in speaking in church helped you address large public groups? Where did you learn to respect and not to criticize other faiths? And so on.